Pancake Party

Yesterday one of my students had a birthday, so I thought it would be fun to have a pancake party to celebrate! Also, TAKS started today, so we decided the pancakes would help offer some extra brain power like they do for his favorite book character, Nate the Great. Also, I pretty much just love pancakes.

I also love incorporating cooking into teaching...reading a recipe, following directions, measuring, etc. Also, blind students often benefit from the exposure to everyday things that just aren't so everyday in their world.

One major key component to the party--potholders. :) Blind kids + Hot Griddle = Pot Holders.

The funny part of the story that our air conditioning happened to be out yesterday, so once the griddle got hot, my portable room became almost unbearable. Of course, I knew the pancakes would be worth it, but I did complain a bit about how hot it was getting. I AM pregnant, you know.

To this, my wise little pancake man says, "Mrs. Chambers...if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen!" Touche, kid!

So here's to pancakes, parties, and hoping that we can all survive the heat of this crazy TAKS testing week and all that the rest of the school year has to bring!!

Stacey

I do!

Six years ago today, Jared and I said "I do!" and began our lives together as a married couple. Since that day, everything has changed and nothing has changed all at the same time. Know what I mean?

He makes me laugh, he gives me head rubs for hours on end, he is the best listener, most fun friend, he is smart, talented, trustworthy, and strong. Best of all, he's mine.

Stacey

Rip Your Pants!

The phrase "Rip Your Pants" holds a special meaning to my sorority sisters...it basically means "work your butt off" or "do your best," and it derived its meaning when one of our girls danced so hard that she actually ripped her pants.

I was reminded of this memory today when I noticed that I had actually ripped my pants. I take that back. I am blaming it on the washer/dryer/GAP manufacturing. I washed my jeans last night, so that had to be it. Although, the largeness of the hole may or may not have been increased by my lunges across the kitchen this morning post-jean-washing.

Obviously, I drove as soon as possible to the nearest GAP maternity, demanded (politely asked) that my jeans be replaced, changed in the dressing room, and left a new woman! Kudos, GAP!

That all being said, I am spending the rest of the evening studying for a Braille certification exam that I take tomorrow. And to that I say, "Rip Your Pants!!" But, not really this time.

Stacey

A Bump Here or There

Today one of my preschool students clunked his head on the playground and wound up with a giant goose-egg on his head. I wasn't there to see it happen, but he was sure to tell me all about it. He told me that he didn't cry any tears, but he was crying a lot on the inside.

This week has been a little bumpy for all of us. Questionable blood work (Abby's fine), an ill grandparent, throw in a little family drama...well, life happens, right? We know the bumps will come.

Maybe it's just the pregnancy hormones talking, but I tend to think that crying on the inside is overrated. It's okay cry a little cry and let someone know how you're feeling. Then our friends can do their best to bend down and kiss it all better. And sometimes we just need to let the alligator tears roll when no one is looking. That can be awfully therapeutic.

I know I have friends making difficult choices and family members who might need a shoulder. I promise you can cry with me...I won't tease you on the playground.

Stacey

Preacher Man

This past Sunday at church, the preacher man shared about John 9 where Jesus heals a man born blind. I've heard this miracle story countless times, but it has new meaning to me now that I work with blind kids everyday.

The things I took from the lesson were:

1. Jesus performs miracles. I mean, he really does.

2. The blind man in the story had all the wisdom. He had no sight, but he had all the insight.

3. The man was born blind for no other reason than to bring glory to God.

Sometimes I sit and look at my students and realize that their lives are pretty hard sometimes. I mean, being blind would really suck. The power went out at school yesterday, and I almost fell in the toilet trying to go the bathroom in the dark. Just sayin'.

But what I'm really saying is that these kids have been such a huge blessing. Hopefully I've shared some of those blessings with you this year. These kids remind me everyday that life is really so simple...it's just about loving others. And that you're never alone. Crappy stuff happens in life sometimes, but Jesus is right there with us. And he puts some amazing people in our lives to be along with us on this crazy ride.

Blessings,

Stacey

Impromptu Photo Shoot

Spring has sprung! Jared and I enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing and productive Saturday that began with a walk by the canal, ended with pizza on a patio, and had an impromptu family photo shoot thrown somewhere in between.

One day, we'll show Abby these pictures and tell her that on this particular Saturday we felt truly blessed. Blessed by a God who loves us dearly, blessed with each other whom we love deeply, and blessed with a sweet little girl that we can't wait to meet. We'll tell her that we couldn't stop talking about how excited we were to share a Saturday like this with her one day, and that she was pretty excited too....assuming that was what all those cartwheels and somersaults were all about.

Stacey